A few thoughts on a seemingly endless campaign that is, mercifully, about to an end:

Some of the oddest moments of Campaign 2008 were the times when otherwise dependable Republicans – our former Governor Bill Weld among them – switched sides to support Democrat Barack Obama. A theme common to the fence-jumpers’ endorsements is that Obama is “calm” in a crisis and possesses the right “temperament” to be president. Well, calmness isn’t everything.

Calmness, especially when it’s constant, can also be interpreted as aloofness or disconnection. And calmness should not be equated with sound judgment. As one pundit put it, Britain’s Neville Chamberlain was cool as a cucumber when he signed away Europe’s security in 1938. I’d rather have a president who gets angry when anger is called for. Not hysterical, eye-popping flailing, but measured, firm anger demanded by the situation; the demeanor that President Bush displayed in the days and weeks after 9/11.

There were some dogs that didn’t bark in this campaign, the biggest dog being Obama’s relationship with the race-baiting Reverend Jeremiah Wright. This was a made-to-order issue for John McCain, and all the elements of a hard-hitting ad – video of Wright’s hateful rants, a picture of Obama with his arm around the preacher – were there, just waiting to be sewn together into a 30-second spot. But McCain wouldn’t do it, and apparently disallowed anyone supporting his candidacy to do it. Is there any doubt that Democrats would have used a similarly incriminating relationship against the Republicans? Jeremiah Wright was a hanging curve ball that McCain watched float by, with the bat resting on his shoulders. Strike 3.

The non-use of the Wright issue illustrates a difference between today’s Republican and Democrat parties. The GOP, virtually cowering in a fetal position, wants to win respect. The Dems, about to seize control of both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue for the first time since 1992, want to win. Period.

Another dog that didn’t bark was Obama’s admitted drug use. In his autobiography, he wrote that “…pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it.”

Why was there no vigorous, investigative look into this story? The past alcohol (and rumored drug) use of Governor George W. Bush was certainly media fodder in 2000 (and, for some, beyond). Why not now? Where was the aggressive search for Obama’s drug dealer? Or is drug use something many media types have in common with Obama?

A third dog that remained quiet was Obama’s fundraising. He’s on track to spend more than 600 million dollars to win the election. He raised over 150 million in September alone. Where were the accusations that he’s “buying the election”? And doesn’t it seem strange that he was able to collect all that money in the midst of an economy that is supposedly the worst since the Great Depression?

Speaking of the media, if John McCain ever seriously thought he’d get an even break from the press he’s delusional. Eight years ago, McCain called the media “my base,” but the only reason he received favorable coverage was his opposition to a more conservative candidate (George W. Bush). There was never a chance the media would be fair to him this time; not with an opponent (Obama) whose Leftism is another point of commonality with many of those who cover and report on him.

Did McCain act his age? Meaning, did he seem 73 years old, or “too” old? The age issue was whispered about for months, but McCain’s frequently halting performance in the debates – where he seemed to search for the correct phrase – may have cemented an impression many voters wouldn’t discuss publicly. Ronald Reagan got away with it in 1984, but this is a different time…and McCain’s no Ronald Reagan.

Finally, perhaps Rush Limbaugh has a point when he says what’s bad for America is good for Democrats. Obama was heading steadily downward in the polls until our financial system began cracking. Then he zoomed ahead and has remained so ever since, without appearing to have a clue of what to do about the crisis. It makes no logical sense, but as Bill Belichick would say, “It is what it is.”